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Lincoln County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#43 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
45.6
County Score
Income & Jobs 82.2Property Tax 75.2Weather & Climate 73

County Report Card

About Lincoln County, North Carolina

Approaching the National Median

Lincoln County earns a composite score of 45.6, placing it just under the national median of 50.0. It offers a profile that is familiar to many suburban counties across the country.

Outperforming the North Carolina Average

With a score of 45.6, Lincoln County slightly exceeds the North Carolina state average of 44.7. This makes it a competitive option for residents looking for a reliable balance of services within the state.

Strong Incomes and Low Taxes

A high income score of 82.2 is supported by a median household income of $78,490. Residents also benefit from a tax score of 75.2, thanks to a low effective tax rate of 0.594%.

Housing Costs and Safety Gaps

The county faces challenges in affordability with a cost score of 29.9 and home values near $280,000. Safety and risk scores remain lower at 28.9 and 26.2, suggesting room for infrastructure and community safety improvements.

A Hub for Middle-Class Families

Lincoln County is an excellent fit for families with steady incomes who want to keep more of their paycheck through low taxes. It offers a solid suburban lifestyle for those who can manage moderate housing costs.

Score breakdown

Tax75.2Cost29.9Safety28.9Health56Schools32.4Income82.2Risk26.2Water66Weather73
🏛75.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠29.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼82.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡28.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤56
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓32.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡26.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧66
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤73
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨22
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱49.3
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Catawba County
North Carolina
49.3
Gaston County
North Carolina
31.8
Cleveland County
North Carolina
42.4
Iredell County
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Mecklenburg County
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Alexander County
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Burke County
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York County
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Deep Dives

Lincoln County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Lincoln County

via TaxByCounty

Lincoln County offers below-average taxation

At 0.594%, Lincoln County's effective tax rate sits in the bottom 40% nationally, offering homeowners relief compared to U.S. norms. Residents pay a median $1,660 annually—38% below the national median of $2,690—on homes valued very near the national average of $281,900.

Lincoln ranks as North Carolina's lowest-tax

Lincoln County's effective rate of 0.594% sits nearly 0.11 percentage points below the state average of 0.701%, placing it among North Carolina's most tax-friendly counties. Annual property taxes of $1,660 fall roughly 16% below the state median of $1,433.

Lincoln offers strong regional tax advantage

Lincoln's 0.594% rate outperforms most Piedmont peers, falling only slightly above Jackson County (0.369%) while significantly undercutting Johnston County (0.688%) and Lee County (0.798%). For comparable home values, Lincoln residents enjoy substantially lower annual tax bills.

Lincoln homeowners benefit from low rates

The median Lincoln County home valued at $279,500 generates an annual property tax of $1,660. With mortgage-related assessments, some households reach $1,798, but Lincoln's favorable rate ensures homeowners pay well below state and national norms.

Lincoln homeowners should verify assessments

Even in a tax-friendly county, overassessment occurs regularly. Reviewing your property's assessed value against recent comparable sales and filing an appeal if necessary could provide additional savings on an already-modest tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lincoln County

via CostByCounty

Lincoln leads the state in affordability balance

Lincoln renters spend just 14.9% of income on housing—well below the national median of 18.6%—while earning a median household income of $78,490 that exceeds the national average of $74,755. This rare combination creates one of the nation's most favorable affordability environments.

Lincoln ranks among the state's best values

Lincoln's 14.9% rent-to-income ratio places it near the top of North Carolina's most affordable counties, beating the state average of 18.6% by a substantial margin. Strong incomes combined with moderate $977 rents deliver financial flexibility across the county.

Lincoln outaffordability most nearby counties decisively

Lincoln's 14.9% rent-to-income ratio beats all nearby competitors except Johnston County (15.1%), placing it second-best in the region. The combination of good incomes and reasonable rents makes Lincoln one of the region's safest housing markets.

Strong income supports both housing options

Lincoln renters pay $977 monthly while homeowners pay $1,023 on a median income of $78,490, with median home values of $279,500 remaining accessible. Both housing options consume well under 20% of income, allowing residents substantial financial latitude.

Lincoln delivers prosperity with affordability

If you want to relocate somewhere that balances affordable housing with strong incomes, Lincoln County ranks among your best North Carolina options. The combination of reasonable rents, manageable home prices, and solid job-market wages makes it an ideal choice for families prioritizing financial stability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lincoln County

via IncomeByCounty

Lincoln County tops national income benchmarks

Lincoln County's median household income of $78,490 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $3,735, placing it in the nation's upper quartile. This 5% advantage signals strong local earning power and diverse employment.

One of North Carolina's most prosperous counties

Lincoln County's $78,490 median income runs 28% above North Carolina's state average of $61,072, positioning it among the state's elite earning counties. Per capita income of $42,170 also exceeds the state average of $33,920 by 24%.

Lincoln County rivals Iredell in wealth

Lincoln County's $78,490 median income nearly matches Iredell County ($78,678) and trails Johnston County ($79,838) by just $1,348, forming a triumvirate of high-income North Carolina counties. Together, these three counties represent the state's strongest economic base.

Excellent housing affordability in Lincoln

Lincoln County's 14.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the state's best, indicating strong housing stability for renters and homebuyers. Median home values of $279,500 align well with household incomes, supporting sustainable property ownership and equity accumulation.

Lincoln County: prime wealth-building opportunity

Lincoln County residents enjoy one of North Carolina's strongest income foundations, enabling aggressive wealth strategies through diversified investments and real estate appreciation. Tax-advantaged accounts, index fund portfolios, and property ownership should form the core of long-term plans.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lincoln County

via CrimeByCounty

Lincoln County Maintains Strong Safety Marks

Lincoln County reports a safety score of 97.3, reflecting a secure environment compared to the rest of the country. The total crime rate of 1,710.4 per 100,000 is well below the national average of 2,385.5.

A Strong Performer in North Carolina

Lincoln exceeds the North Carolina average safety score of 96.8. Its total crime rate is also significantly lower than the state average of 2,050.0 per 100,000 people.

Safe Haven From Metropolitan Centers

Lincoln County is safer than several of its metropolitan neighbors, maintaining a violent crime rate of 179.7. This rate is nearly 46% lower than the North Carolina average of 330.7.

Property Concerns and Violent Stats

Most criminal activity in the county is property-related, with a rate of 1,530.7 per 100,000. However, both property and violent crime rates remain lower than their respective national benchmarks.

Consistent Habits Deter Local Crime

Residents can help keep these numbers low by practicing consistent home security habits. Simple actions like locking all doors and using outdoor lighting can significantly reduce the risk of property crime.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Lincoln County

via HealthByCounty

Living longer, managing chronic disease

Lincoln County residents reach 76.2 years on average, exceeding the U.S. life expectancy of 74.6 years by 1.6 years. With 17.2% reporting poor or fair health, the county demonstrates solid health outcomes despite some chronic disease burden.

Outperforming state benchmarks

At 76.2 years, Lincoln's life expectancy exceeds North Carolina's 74.4-year average by 1.8 years. The county ranks among the state's healthier regions, with a 17.2% poor/fair health rate suggesting well-managed chronic disease.

Among region's healthiest counties

Lincoln's 76.2-year life expectancy ranks second only to Iredell (76.5) among nearby counties. At 17.2% poor/fair health, Lincoln sits comfortably in the healthier half of its peer group.

Strong coverage; moderate provider capacity

Lincoln's uninsured rate of 10.3% sits below the state average of 12.5%, meaning more residents have access to care. The county supports 44 primary care providers and 87 mental health providers per 100,000—moderate capacity that serves most but not all residents needing specialists.

Maintain your coverage momentum

Lincoln County's strong health outcomes rest on good insurance coverage—keep it that way. If you're among the 1 in 10 uninsured, visit the Health Insurance Marketplace to find affordable plans today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lincoln County

via SchoolsByCounty

Modern schools serving fourteen thousand students

Lincoln County features 25 public schools that support a total enrollment of 14,320 students. The infrastructure is comprised of 14 elementary, four middle, and five high schools across three districts. This established network provides a broad range of educational opportunities for a growing suburban population.

Outperforming state graduation averages

Lincoln County achieves a strong 90.1% graduation rate, beating the state average of 88%. The county reaches these results with a lean per-pupil expenditure of $5,855, demonstrating high efficiency. The composite school score of 51.1 reflects steady academic performance across all levels.

Public districts and a major charter

Lincoln County Schools serves 11,629 students across 23 schools, while the Lincoln Charter School operates as a massive independent option. Lincoln Charter alone educates 2,263 students, representing 8% of the county's total school count but a larger share of enrollment. This variety gives parents high-quality alternatives to traditional district schools.

Rural roots with large-scale campuses

Sixteen of the county's 25 schools are located in rural areas, while nine serve town centers. Lincoln Charter School is the largest campus in the county, followed by North Lincoln High with 1,079 students. The average school size is 597 students, offering a blend of rural tranquility and larger campus resources.

High-performing schools in a scenic county

Lincoln County’s 90% graduation rate is a compelling reason for families to explore the local real estate market. The presence of top-tier charters like Lincoln Charter School provides additional value for homebuyers. Search for residences near Lincolnton to enjoy a community focused on student achievement.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lincoln County

via RiskByCounty

Lincoln County's risk exceeds the U.S. average

Lincoln County scores 73.76 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the Relatively Low category but above the national average. The score reflects substantial exposure to floods, tornadoes, and earthquakes, positioning Lincoln as a higher-hazard county in regional and national context.

Lincoln ranks above the North Carolina average

At 73.76, Lincoln County's composite score exceeds the state average of 66.72, placing it in the upper-middle range of North Carolina counties for natural disaster risk. The county's elevated profile reflects concentrated threats in flood and tornado hazards.

Lincoln shares risk patterns with Iredell County

Lincoln (73.76) and Iredell County (80.79) face similar flood risks—83.24 and 86.64, respectively—and comparable tornado exposure around 78–86. Both are part of a contiguous Piedmont region with shared water and wind vulnerabilities.

Floods and tornadoes pose major threats to Lincoln

Flood risk ranks highest at 83.24, followed closely by tornado risk at 78.44, both well above state norms and reflecting Lincoln's Piedmont geography. Earthquake risk also reaches 77.48, while wildfire risk remains relatively modest at 37.85.

Flood and wind coverage should be your priority

Lincoln residents should purchase homeowners insurance that explicitly includes flood damage coverage and wind/hail protection, given the county's elevated flood and tornado scores. Test your smoke alarms, update your emergency contact list, and familiarize your family with your local tornado safe room.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lincoln County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate Piedmont Weather Patterns

Lincoln County averages 59.8°F annually, which is notably warmer than the national median. The region enjoys a classic four-season climate typical of the American Southeast.

Aligning with State Averages

The county's 59.8°F average temperature closely mirrors the North Carolina state average of 59.3°F. It serves as a representative baseline for the state's Piedmont plateau weather.

A Middle Ground in the Region

Lincoln is warmer than its mountainous neighbor McDowell County, which stays cooler at 57.9°F. However, it experiences 35 extreme heat days annually, fewer than the 49 seen in nearby Mecklenburg.

Moderate Snow and July Heat

July temperatures peak at an average of 78.1°F, supported by 35 days of 90-degree heat. Residents can expect about 5.6 inches of snow each winter, which is higher than many eastern NC counties.

Versatile Gear for Changing Seasons

With 49.5 inches of rain and moderate snowfall, residents need a mix of waterproof gear and basic snow removal tools. Summer cooling costs are manageable but peak during the hot July window.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lincoln County

via SoilByCounty

Moderate Acidity in the Piedmont

Lincoln County's soil pH is 5.59, which is less acidic than the state average of 5.14 but still below the national 6.5 median. This level is relatively high for North Carolina, providing a slightly better starting point for many plants.

Solid Structure with More Clay

The soil mix includes 54.6% sand and 18.3% clay, providing more structural stability than sandier coastal regions. This texture holds onto nutrients better than pure sand but remains easier to till than heavy mountain clays.

Average Water Retention, Low Carbon

Organic matter is low at 1.13%, falling below both state and national benchmarks. However, the available water capacity of 0.133 in/in is nearly identical to the state average, providing reliable moisture for crops.

Stable Ground for Local Use

Official drainage data is not currently available for this area. Based on the 18.3% clay content, the soil likely provides moderate drainage that supports most agricultural and building activities without major issues.

Summer Favorites in Zone 8a

Zone 8a provides a robust growing environment for staples like corn, tomatoes, and beans. Improving the low organic matter with compost will significantly boost the productivity of any Lincoln County garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lincoln County

via LawnByCounty

Reliable Results in Lincoln County

Lincoln County’s 49.3 difficulty score makes it one of the more rewarding places in the state for lawn care, nearly hitting the national median. This 8a hardiness zone offers a solid balance for many Southern grass types.

Moderate Heat and Standard Rainfall

With 35 days above 90°F, Lincoln is slightly cooler than the state average, reducing the risk of summer dormancy. The 49.5 inches of annual rain provides a steady supply of moisture to support 4,598 growing degree days.

Stable Soil with Manageable Acidity

A soil pH of 5.59 is closer to the ideal range than many other NC counties, though lime is still recommended. The 18.3% clay content helps hold moisture better than purely sandy soils, giving roots a more stable environment.

Focusing on Root Depth

Though 100% of the county is in severe drought, Lincoln has only seen 22 weeks of drought in the past year. Encourage deep roots by watering deeply but infrequently, which prepares the lawn for these current severe conditions.

Zoysia or Bermuda for Lincoln

Zoysia grass thrives in this 8a zone and offers a dense, carpet-like feel that resists weeds. Begin your lawn projects after the April 9 frost date to ensure the soil is ready for new growth.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lincoln County's county score?
Lincoln County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 45.6 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Lincoln County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Lincoln County ranks #43 among all counties in North Carolina on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Lincoln County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Lincoln County is $1,660, with an effective tax rate of 0.59%. This earns Lincoln County a tax score of 75.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lincoln County?
The median household income in Lincoln County, North Carolina is $78,490 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lincoln County earns an income score of 82.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lincoln County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Lincoln County scores 45.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #43 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Lincoln County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Lincoln County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.